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THE VIBROACOUSTIC VEST FOR FIREFIGHTERS' STRESS REDUCTION
This thesis investigates the role of industrial design in mitigating mental stress and promoting the health and well-being of first responders, who operate in environments of high risk and pressure. The central research question guiding this work is: How can industrial design integrate vibroacoustic therapy to create non-invasive, stress-relief solutions tailored to the psychological and physiological needs of first responders?Drawing upon literature in occupational health, stress physiology, and therapeutic design, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach that includes expert interviews with mental health professionals and first responders, ethnographic observations, material and ergonomic studies, and iterative prototype development. Emphasis is placed on the integration of low-frequency vibroacoustic stimulation—validated through medical research for its capacity to reduce stress by enhancing blood circulation and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.Three critical stress-inducing factors were identified through qualitative analysis: (1) the societal and internalized pressures of maintaining a “heroic” professional image, (2) the high-risk, unpredictable nature of emergency environments, and (3) the cumulative burden of long, irregular, and physically demanding shifts. These factors serve as the foundation for design criteria, informing key decisions around usability, material choice, portability, and therapeutic efficacy.A series of functional prototypes were developed and tested with a group of first responders in simulated rest environments. Participants provided feedback through structured interviews, stress level self-assessments, and biometric indicators (e.g., heart rate variability). Preliminary results indicate reduced self-reported anxiety levels and increased perceived comfort and relaxation during use, suggesting positive therapeutic potential.This study contributes to the growing field of design for health and well-being by proposing an intervention that is both technologically feasible and contextually appropriate. It demonstrates how industrial design can serve as a bridge between medical research and user-centered care solutions, particularly in the high-stakes field of emergency response.
This thesis investigates the role of industrial design in mitigating mental stress and promoting the health and well-being of first responders, who operate in environments of high risk and pressure. The central research question guiding this work is: How can industrial design integrate vibroacoustic therapy to create non-invasive, stress-relief solutions tailored to the psychological and physiological needs of first responders?Drawing upon literature in occupational health, stress physiology, and therapeutic design, the study adopts a mixed-methods approach that includes expert interviews with mental health professionals and first responders, ethnographic observations, material and ergonomic studies, and iterative prototype development. Emphasis is placed on the integration of low-frequency vibroacoustic stimulation—validated through medical research for its capacity to reduce stress by enhancing blood circulation and activating the parasympathetic nervous system.Three critical stress-inducing factors were identified through qualitative analysis: (1) the societal and internalized pressures of maintaining a “heroic” professional image, (2) the high-risk, unpredictable nature of emergency environments, and (3) the cumulative burden of long, irregular, and physically demanding shifts. These factors serve as the foundation for design criteria, informing key decisions around usability, material choice, portability, and therapeutic efficacy.A series of functional prototypes were developed and tested with a group of first responders in simulated rest environments. Participants provided feedback through structured interviews, stress level self-assessments, and biometric indicators (e.g., heart rate variability). Preliminary results indicate reduced self-reported anxiety levels and increased perceived comfort and relaxation during use, suggesting positive therapeutic potential.This study contributes to the growing field of design for health and well-being by proposing an intervention that is both technologically feasible and contextually appropriate. It demonstrates how industrial design can serve as a bridge between medical research and user-centered care solutions, particularly in the high-stakes field of emergency response.